How to Maximise the Lifespan of Your Sump Pump

How to maximise the lifespan of your sump pump

A sump pump is a key piece of equipment to help ensure your basement stays dry. As with any piece of machinery, there are things you can do to ensure they last as long as possible so you get the most out of your investment. 

The actual lifespan of your London sump pump will depend on a variety of factors, however there are some key things you can do to ensure you get the most out of your investment. 

How long does a sump pump last?

On average you can expect your sump pump to last approximately eight to ten years. This number however is a very general figure and can vary. Your location and basement depth as well as the actual system installed will all be factors in your sump pump lifespan. 

What can I do to make sure my pump lasts as long as possible?

  •  Make sure to fit the correct sized sump pump. If your basement only has a small amount of water ingress then you will need a smaller sump pump, but if your property receives a large amount of water ingress then you will need to invest in a larger pump that can cope with higher volumes of water. Our London basement pump experts can advise you on what type of sump pump will be suitable for your particular property. 
  • Consider your ventilation and condensation levels. Ensuring that your waterproofing is effective in minimising damp will keep your sump pump from having to work overtime to keep liquid out of your basement. If your waterproofing system is not adequate, your pump will have to work constantly to try and keep the water out and this may be a losing battle which could result in damp and black mould and eventually will lead to degradation of elements within your sump pump, and ultimately your pump will fail.
  • Hire experts to ensure correct installation of your pump. An Improper or faulty installation of your waterproofing system could result in your sump pump working itself to death. Ensuring the motor engages correctly, and the accurate installation of the float switch will make sure your sump pump works as it should.
  • Checking for defective sump pumps. As with any piece of machinery, sump pumps have the potential to develop a fault that will keep it from doing its job. The float switch could fail to engage resulting in water not being removed, or the float switch could stay engaged and keep running constantly, eventually burning out the motor. Blockages could keep the pump from working at all. There are many potential faults that can develop so regular checks by an expert is important to ensure your pump stays in good working order. 
  • Regular Maintenance is important to ensure your sump pump stays healthy in order to lengthen its lifespan. Having a trained sump pump specialist check and maintain your system every few months will safeguard against you having a waterproofing failure due to your sump pump breaking down. A trained specialist will be able to spot the warning signs that could lead to a broken pump enabling them to replace faulty parts rather than the cost of having to replace the system as a whole. Many pumps develop faults over the summer and due to the dry weather, the property owner may not notice until months later when the weather starts to get wet.  A typical sump pump maintenance program will involve checking for defects, as well as checking all working parts to making sure the pump is working as it should, and repairing any small issues that if left can lead to a costly breakdown. 

Contact our experts today to set up your sump pump maintenance schedule, and maximise the lifespan of your sump pump.